Seasons of Worship: A Spiritual Calendar for the Church Today

By Steven D. Brooks

Seasons of Worship: A Spiritual Calendar for the Church Today emphasizes the transformative power of observing the Christian year. It provides an overview of the key components of the Christian year, along with their biblical, historical, and theological foundations. The book offers practical resources to aid in planning, programming, and implementing worship opportunities based on the Christian year, enriching the corporate worship experiences of congregations, and fostering spiritual growth among worshipers.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wipf and Stock
• Release date: Jan 11, 2024
• ISBN: 9781666784565

Steven D. Brooks

Steven D. Brooks is a pastor, author, and professor of worship. He is the founder of Worship Quest Ministries, which provides resources and training to encourage worship renewal and spiritual formation in the global Christian church (worshipquest.net), and the author of Worship Quest: An Exploration of Worship Leadership and Worship Formation: A Call to Embrace Christian Growth in Each Element of the Worship Service.

Book preview

SEASONS of WORSHIP

A Spiritual Calendar for the Church Today

STEVEN D. BROOKS

Seasons of Worship

A Spiritual Calendar for the Church Today

Copyright ©

2024

Steven D. Brooks. All rights reserved. Except for brief quotations in critical publications or reviews, no part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission from the publisher. Write: Permissions, Wipf and Stock Publishers,

199

W.

8

th Ave., Suite

3

, Eugene, OR

97401

.

Wipf & Stock

An Imprint of Wipf and Stock Publishers

199

W.

8

th Ave., Suite

3

Eugene, OR

97401

www.wipfandstock.com

paperback isbn: 978-1-6667-8454-1

hardcover isbn: 978-1-6667-8455-8

ebook isbn: 978-1-6667-8456-5

01/05/24

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright ©

2001

by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations notated (NRSV) are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright ©

1989

National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Any Internet addresses (websites, blogs, etc.) printed in this book are offered as a resource. They are not intended in any way to be or imply a full endorsement of the author, nor does the author vouch for the content of these sites for the life of this book.

Art by Minna Lim

Table of Contents

TITLE PAGE

PREFACE

INTRODUCTION

Chapter 1: WHAT’S IN A SEASON?

Chapter 2: BIBLICAL, HISTORICAL, AND THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS FOR KEEPING SACRED TIME

Chapter 3: A CALL FOR UNITY

Chapter 4: CHRISTIAN YEAR SPIRITUALITY

Chapter 5: SACRED TIME

Chapter 6: ADVENT

Overview

Song List

Worship Service Overview

First Sunday of Advent

Worship Service

Scripture Presentation

Second Sunday of Advent

Worship Service

Scripture Presentation

Third Sunday of Advent

Worship Service

Scripture Presentation

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Worship Service

Scripture Presentation

Christmas Eve

Candlelight Service

Scripture Presentation

Chapter 7: CHRISTMAS

Overview

Song List

Worship Service

Scripture Presentation

Chapter 8: EPIPHANY AND AFTER EPIPHANY

Overview

Song List

Worship Service

Scripture Presentation

Chapter 9: LENT

Ash Wednesday

Overview

Song List

Worship Service

Scripture Presentation

Lent

Overview

Song List

Worship Service

Scripture Presentation

Chapter 10: HOLY WEEK AND THE GREAT TRIDUUM

Palm/Passion Sunday

Overview

Song List

Worship Service

Scripture Presentation

Maundy Thursday

Overview

Song List

Worship Service

Scripture Presentation

Good Friday

Overview

Song List

Worship Service

Scripture Presentation

Easter Saturday/Vigil

Overview

Song List

Reflective Worship Experience

Scripture Presentation

Chapter 11: EASTER

Easter Sunday

Overview

Song List

Worship Service

Scripture Presentation

Ascension Sunday

Overview

Song List

Worship Service

Scripture Presentation

Pentecost Sunday

Overview

Song List

Worship Service

Scripture Presentation

Chapter 12: AFTER PENTECOST

Trinity Sunday

Overview

Song List

Worship Service

Scripture Presentation

Reformation Sunday

Overview

Song List

Worship Service

Scripture Presentation

All Saints’ Sunday

Overview

Song List

Worship Service

Scripture Presentation

Christ The King Sunday

Overview

Song List

Worship Service

Scripture Presentation

CONCLUSION

POSTSCRIPT

SUGGESTED RESOURCES FOR LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE CHRISTIAN YEAR

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

BIBLIOGRAPHY

To Brooke,my wife, best friend, and ministry partner,who has encouraged me with the importance of the Christian year

In memory of Dr. William Lock, mentor and friend, who shared his notes regarding this manuscript

Be sure to check out Worship Quest Ministries

Encouraging worship renewal and spiritual formation for the global Christian church worshipquest.net

PREFACE

My spiritual journey began at a young age. Every week, my older brother and I eagerly boarded the big blue church bus, which navigated through our neighborhood picking up kids like us to go to the local conservative Baptist church. As time went on, our family grew more involved, and my parents and sister joined us in becoming an integral part of this tight–knit church community. My father took on responsibilities as a deacon and the church’s sound technician, while my mother found her role as a dedicated Sunday School teacher and choir member. Sundays were synonymous with church. In fact, I can’t remember a Sunday during my childhood when we were not in church. A typical Sunday entailed a morning worship service, fellowship over lunch with church friends, an afternoon choir practice, and the evening service. We also attended the Wednesday night AWANA¹ program. Church held a significant place in our lives, and it was during those years that I devoted myself to Christ.

Because our church did not follow any official sacred pattern of time in worship, I had no real sense or understanding of sacred time. In fact, I had never even heard the term sacred time until I attended college, where I first learned of the Christian year—a calendar of seasons for the church that focuses on the life of Christ and subsequent birth and growth of the church. The observance of these seasons of the Christian year has a long history in the life of the Christian faith uniting the global church in telling the story of God’s redemptive work in the world.

When I first learned about the Christian year, my reaction wasn’t entirely positive. I mistakenly believed it would lead to inauthentic worship or empty rituals. I didn’t see how the Christian year could reveal Christ and honor his life, death, resurrection, and eventual return. Fortunately, over time, my understanding and appreciation for the Christian year have grown, and I’m grateful for this journey of change in perspective. I understand the apprehension some may have for following the Christian year because at one time I was hesitant to allow the Christian year a place in my worship.

Scripture does not explicitly mandate the observance of the Christian year calendar. The New Testament does not provide some equivalent to Leviticus twenty–five, where God laid out the major annual fasts and feasts for the people of Israel. So, although the Christian year is structured around the biblical story of Jesus, it is not commanded in Scripture the way the Jewish holidays are for the Jews. However, it is important to note that Christians aren’t commanded to celebrate Easter or Christmas in the way we do either. The church year, therefore, is not something all Christians must observe, or must observe in the same way. In fact, Eastern Orthodox believers have a different pattern for yearly worship and even celebrate Christmas and Easter on a different day than those in the West. Nevertheless, I believe that engaging with the Christian year calendar can enhance our spiritual journey, fostering a sense of unity with the global church, and providing opportunities for communal worship, meditation, and growth in faith.

It is important to note that time has no sacredness of its own, but rather, serves as a tool to be redeemed and employed by humans in order to participate and celebrate the eternal. Time becomes sacred as it finds its completeness in God.

Theologian Robert Webber suggests that because we live in a time of cultural and spiritual transition, many Christians are searching for a deeper worship experience than the non–connected church² provides: Many younger evangelicals and older ones as well are searching the past to find ways of spiritual formation that have deeply affected the spiritual lives of many generations.³ I have seen this first–hand at one of the universities where I teach a theology of worship course. The university offers a chapel service called Liturgical Chapel, which employs prayers from the Book of Common Prayer, follows the Scripture reading schedule of the lectionary⁴, and offers the Lord’s Supper at every service. It is held in a room that seats over five–hundred people when filled, and it is regularly filled. Younger evangelicals are being drawn to ancient forms of liturgy. They are discovering the value of connecting with their past while moving toward the future and finding this experience to be both spiritually formative and unifying.

Author and preacher Francis Chan wrote an article whereas he cites his observations as to why young people are leaving their churches in large numbers. His opening paragraph concludes with questions that should cause the reader to consider the worship gatherings being offered within their own church. He writes that young people,

. . . may like their initial visits, but soon enough they lose interest. They’re enjoying church more than ever but often walk away unfulfilled. We’ve come up with some beautiful and creative elements to attract them, but somehow the water seems shallow. Believe it or not, people of all ages still go to church wanting to experience God. He’s more exciting than what we can offer. They can get good music at concerts and entertainment at the movies. When they come to church, they want and expect something more. They want to see and encounter God. Our job is to create a sacred space, so He can reveal Himself. Could it be that, in our quest to creatively make Jesus cool to the younger generation, we’ve actually hidden Him? Do we plan meetings that are so busy and overproduced that we crowd Him out?⁵

As a result of the Protestant free church movement and its contemporary driven worship model, the Christian year is rarely, if ever, considered a relevant or effective worship component for free church worshipers. It certainly is not considered as an opportunity for spiritual growth through its use in worship. The book in your hands is an attempt to challenge this perspective and encourage a different way of thinking. Moreover, I propose that by integrating the Christian year into the worshiping life of the church, a deeper connection to the historical worship and unity of the church will be experienced and embraced.

The purpose of this book is threefold: first, to provide biblical, historical, and theological foundations for the Christian year; second, to encourage the adoption of the Christian year in modern worship settings as a means of spiritual formation; and third, to offer practical resources for the different seasons of the Christian year that can be used in various church settings.

We will begin with an introduction of sacred time and consider why it is important in the worshiping life of the church. Sacred time is not only important in the corporate gathering, but also in the personal worship of each Christ follower.

The biblical, historical, and theological foundations of the Christian year are presented in chapter 2. The historical pattern of worship of the church forms the way in which we worship today. The past forms the present and guides the future. Contemporary churches too often discard the past which may result in a narrow view of worship. The church today should embrace historical patterns of worship in a way that makes it relevant for today’s worshipers. There is much we can learn from the centuries of faithful worshipers that have gone before. We must be careful not to lose the fullness of our Christian heritage. Disregarding our past leaves us at risk of becoming theologically shallow, spiritually weak, and reliant upon the present culture.

Chapters 3–5 discuss the importance of the Christian year in the process of spiritual formation in the lives and hearts of worshipers. Our worship should form us spiritually.⁶ Planned and purposeful observance of the Christian seasons and special days can become an important tool for spiritual formation through worship, as well as a means for spiritual growth, vitality, and true unity within the church.

Chapters 6–12 take the reader on a journey through the seasons of the Christian year discovering the origins for each season and how the worshiper is provided the opportunity to be formed spiritually through its observance. Each chapter includes practical tips on how to incorporate the Christian year into the worshiping life of the church—a resource guide providing a variety of resources and examples of worship opportunities for the seasons and special days of the Christian year. These resources encourage us to not just talk about the importance of the Christian year, but to transform our talk into action. It is within these resources that we find practical ideas for incorporating the Christian year into church worship services as they help us move from contemplation to practice. The resources for each season or day include: an overview, song lists, an example of a worship service, and a Scripture presentation. If you are a worship planner, leader, or pastor, you can use these examples exactly as they are, adapt them to fit your worship setting, or simply use them as a springboard to create your own worship opportunities based on the seasons of the Christian year. May God bless you as you plan and lead his Bride, the church, in worship.

Ultimately my hope is that this book will serve as a valuable resource for ministry leaders, students studying worship, and individuals seeking to deepen their personal relationship with the Lord through meaningful worship experiences.

1

. AWANA is a non–profit organization with a mission to develop children and their families through Bible study and ministry; www.awana.org.

2

. A non–connected church, also called a free church, is a Christian church that holds no connection with the recognized mainline churches such as the Catholic, Presbyterian, Lutheran, or Methodist churches. One main difference between connected and non–connected churches is the ecclesiastical polity within the denomination or church structure.

3

. Webber, Ancient–Future Time,

15

.

4

. The lectionary is a pre–selected collection of scriptural readings from the Bible that can be used for worship, study or other theological uses. Some congregations use the Revised Common Lectionary which follows the liturgical year in a three–year cycle (Years A, B, and C) and provides scriptural recommendations that complement the current season of the liturgical year.

5

. Chan, Why Are They Leaving?,

22

.

6

. For more on worship as spiritual formation, see my book Worship Formation.

INTRODUCTION

While a doctoral student focusing on worship theology and spiritual formation, I had the privilege of studying the Christian year and its impact on the church. Consequently, I have become a firm believer that our lives are spiritually formed through observing sacred time and living in the reflection of Christ’s life, death, resurrection, and ultimate return. It is my hope and desire that churches not currently following a sacred pattern of time will consider the Christian year as an avenue of spiritual formation through worship.

The Christian year, also called the church year or liturgical year, is the Christian way of marking time. It is a time–honored tradition observed by numerous Protestant churches around the world. Rooted in the history of Christianity, this calendar provides a structured framework for worship, reflection, and spiritual growth. Despite some criticisms and misunderstandings, the Christian year calendar holds immense value for Protestant churches, fostering a deeper understanding of the gospel, promoting unity among believers, and facilitating a meaningful connection to the broader Christian community.

Telling the fullness of God’s story⁷ throughout its seasons, the Christian year reflects upon the life of Christ as well as the birth and subsequent growth of the church. In corporate worship we come together to remember Christ’s saving acts allowing them to affect the way we live and worship. The Christian year is an instrument through which we may be shaped by God’s saving events in Christ . . . it is not the Christian year that accomplishes our spiritual pilgrimage but Christ himself who is the very content and meaning of the Christian year.⁸ The observance of the Christian year offers the worshiper an opportunity to live in the pattern of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Following this pattern reveals Christ as we remember the fullness of his story.

At the same time, care must be taken for the Christian year not to become ritualistic. The Christian year is a great resource, but like all elements of worship, it should be viewed as a vehicle to reveal the presence of God in order for his glory to be made palpable in our midst. Observing sacred time must not be a means unto itself. Following the Christian year is not about checking off a box so we can offer God true worship. It’s not a mere obligation, but a meaningful way to engage with God and deepen our relationship with him.

I am reminded of Amos and God’s response to the people’s worship. The people of Israel were diligent in their worship practices. They were wholehearted in their duties and emotionally satisfied with their offerings to God. Yet their practice of worship did not guarantee engagement with God. In Amos chapter 5, God rebukes the people for their actions: I hate, I despise your feasts! I cannot stand your burnt offerings and grain offerings . . . (Amos 5:21a). This is a strong indictment against the worshipers of Amos’ time. But before we judge them, we must admit that we too have the temptation of our worship being an empty offering. A healthy relationship with God is vital for positive spiritual formation to occur in our lives. The Christian year provides a foundation for authentic worship, approaching the throne of mercy with awe and reverence. It serves as a valuable tool to continually reorient our hearts and minds towards God’s enduring love and the transformative power of Christ’s message.

Before proceeding, we should also acknowledge the significance an emphasis on the Christian year has with Christians around the world and throughout history. Reflecting on the broader context helps the church understand its connection to a larger faith community. By observing sacred time and the various seasons of the church year, we join millions of Christ followers throughout history who have proclaimed God’s mighty deeds of salvation. This sense of unity and continuity strengthens our faith journey and reminds us that we are part of a rich and diverse tradition that transcends time and geographical boundaries. Throughout the span from Advent to Pentecost, we unite with the global community of believers, as well as all of creation, in offering our worship to the Sovereign over all sovereigns . . . the Lamb seated on the throne!

And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth

and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,

To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever! (Rev

5

:

13

)

7

. The story of God is comprised of creation (in the beginning, God made all things seen and unseen), incarnation (God sent his one and only Son, Jesus Christ, into a fallen creation to save and redeem), and re–creation (Christ the King will return at the end of time to once again redeem all things).

8

. Webber, Ancient–Future Time,

24

.

Chapter 1

WHAT’S IN A SEASON?

Worship is our response to who God is, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, holds the transformative power to shape our inner beings spiritually. As followers of Jesus, we are privileged to engage in both personal and corporate worship. Through personal worship, we cultivate an intimate and profound relationship with God, as emphasized in Ephesians 3:14–19. In corporate worship gatherings, we find encouragement for spiritual growth and the opportunity to uplift and support one another through our worship. Therefore, intentional planning and effective leadership play a crucial role in creating worship services that facilitate spiritual transformation within the lives of worshipers. By crafting worship experiences that prompt individuals to become more Christ–like, we can foster a genuine connection with God and facilitate profound spiritual growth and transformation in the lives of worshipers:

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (

2

Cor

3

:

18

)

To experience worship renewal, worshipers must actively seek opportunities that facilitate this type of transformative encounter with God. Embracing the telling of God’s story is crucial to offer worship that truly honors and acknowledges his actions throughout history. The historical sacred calendar assists in rehearsing God’s story and plays a central role within Christianity, influencing much of Christian worship, often without us realizing it. The significance of time in Christian worship tells us a great deal about following Christ and about the way in which we worship. Professor and author James F. White states,

The centrality of time in Christianity is reflected in Christian worship. This worship, like the rest of life, is structured on recurring rhythms of the week, the day, and the year. In addition, there is a lifelong cycle. Far from trying to escape time Christian worship uses time as one of its essential structures. Our present time is used to place us in contact with God’s acts in time past and future. Salvation, as we experience it in worship, is a reality based on temporal events through which God is given to us. The use of time enables Christians to commemorate and experience again those very acts in which salvation is grounded.¹

The Christian year provides a meaningful way for Christ followers to mark time. However, within the Protestant free church movement, there has been a general lack of interest in the Christian year. In my years of full–time ministry in churches often characterized as non–liturgical,² I’ve observed that many church members are not familiar with the Christian year, and those who are often associate it with Roman Catholic practices, leading to strong resistance. I believe this resistance to the Christian year can be attributed to three main factors. Firstly, some individuals have a history with Roman Catholicism and left due to dissatisfaction with the rote and ritual of worship. When they encounter terms like Advent or Lent, it reminds them of what they left behind and the reasons for their departure. Secondly, many have family and friends attending less than dynamic Roman Catholic churches that seem to prioritize liturgy over the worship of God, reinforcing the negative perceptions. Lastly, fear of the unknown plays a role, as there are practices within the Roman Catholic church that Protestants may not understand or agree with, leading to criticism rather than seeking understanding. These negative responses have contributed to a culture of ignoring or avoiding the Christian year in Protestant free church settings. Further discussion on this resistance will be explored in chapter two.

Over the years, I have sensed that many within the Protestant free church movement desire a deeper form of worship than what the typical local church provides. In countless churches across the globe, the spiritual